Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how BlinkAlert ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website (blinka.co.za) and mobile application. It explains what these technologies are and why we use them, as well as your rights to control our use of them.

By continuing to use our website or app, you agree to our use of cookies and similar technologies in accordance with this Cookie Policy.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to the owners of the site.

Cookies can be "persistent" or "session" cookies. Persistent cookies remain on your device when you go offline, while session cookies are deleted as soon as you close your web browser.

3. Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use other similar technologies on our website and application, including:

• Web Beacons: Small graphic images (also known as "pixel tags" or "clear GIFs") that may be included on our website and app that typically work in conjunction with cookies to identify our users and user behavior.
• Local Storage: We may use local storage technologies (like HTML5 localStorage or IndexedDB) that operate similarly to cookies but can store larger amounts of data.
• Mobile Device Identifiers: In our mobile application, we may use device identifiers to recognize your device and provide personalized services.

4. Types of Cookies We Use

We use different types of cookies for different purposes. The cookies we use can be classified into the following categories:

4.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website. The website cannot function properly without these cookies.

4.2 Performance/Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect information about how visitors use our website, such as which pages they visit most often and if they receive error messages. These cookies don't collect information that identifies a visitor. The information collected is aggregated and anonymous. We use this data to improve our website's performance.

4.3 Functionality Cookies

These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make (such as your language preference or the region you are in) and provide enhanced, more personal features. They may also be used to provide services you have asked for, such as watching a video or commenting on a blog.

4.4 Targeting/Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver advertisements more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and help measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. They remember that you have visited a website and this information may be shared with other organizations, such as advertisers.

5. Specific Cookies We Use

6. Mobile Application

Our mobile application uses similar technologies to cookies, including:

• Local Storage: For storing user preferences and session information
• Device Identifiers: For recognizing your device and providing a personalized experience
• Analytics Tools: For collecting anonymous usage data to improve the app's functionality

7. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third parties on our website. These third parties may include:

• Analytics providers (like Google Analytics) to help us understand how our website is being used
• Advertising networks to help us deliver targeted advertisements
• Social media platforms to enable functionality like sharing content to social media

These third parties may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to collect information about your use of our website and other websites. This information may be used to provide measurements, optimize advertising, and provide personalized features and content.

8. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

Most web browsers allow you to manage your cookie preferences. You can set your browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. The methods for doing so vary from browser to browser, and from version to version.

Here are links to instructions for managing cookies in some common browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari
• Microsoft Edge

Please note that if you choose to refuse cookies, you may not be able to use the full functionality of our website.

9. Mobile Application Opt-Out

For our mobile application, you can adjust your privacy preferences through the app's settings menu:

1. Open the BlinkAlert app
2. Navigate to Settings > Privacy
3. Adjust your preferences for analytics and data collection

You can also reset your advertising identifier or limit ad tracking through your device settings:

• Android: Settings > Privacy > Ads
• iOS: Settings > Privacy > Tracking

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, regulation, or our business practices. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. If we make significant changes, we will notify you through a notice on our website or app.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us at:

• Email: privacy@blinkalert.co.za
• Address: 12 Smuts Avenue, Vereeniging, South Africa, 1939
• Through our Contact Form